diff --git a/app/controllers/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify_controller.rb b/app/controllers/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify_controller.rb
index ef63c5f56d..eb53d289ed 100644
--- a/app/controllers/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify_controller.rb
+++ b/app/controllers/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify_controller.rb
@@ -207,7 +207,6 @@ def update_reference_requests
 
     def preview_referee
       authorize %i[assessor_interface assessment_recommendation], :edit?
-      @reference_requests = assessment.reference_requests
     end
 
     def preview_teacher
diff --git a/app/mailers/referee_mailer.rb b/app/mailers/referee_mailer.rb
index fa2260d7a9..426b5b3a88 100644
--- a/app/mailers/referee_mailer.rb
+++ b/app/mailers/referee_mailer.rb
@@ -8,12 +8,14 @@ class RefereeMailer < ApplicationMailer
   helper :application_form
 
   def reference_reminder
+    @number_of_reminders_sent = params[:number_of_reminders_sent]
+
     view_mail(
       GOVUK_NOTIFY_TEMPLATE_ID,
       to: work_history.contact_email,
       subject:
         I18n.t(
-          "mailer.referee.reference_reminder.subject",
+          "mailer.referee.reference_reminder.subject.#{@number_of_reminders_sent}",
           name: application_form_full_name(application_form),
         ),
     )
diff --git a/app/mailers/teacher_mailer.rb b/app/mailers/teacher_mailer.rb
index c61a49ac2b..d6e5968b3a 100644
--- a/app/mailers/teacher_mailer.rb
+++ b/app/mailers/teacher_mailer.rb
@@ -109,6 +109,8 @@ def references_reminder
   end
 
   def references_requested
+    @reference_requests = params[:reference_requests]
+
     view_mail(
       GOVUK_NOTIFY_TEMPLATE_ID,
       to: teacher.email,
diff --git a/app/models/reference_request.rb b/app/models/reference_request.rb
index 633046b043..6d2733f39f 100644
--- a/app/models/reference_request.rb
+++ b/app/models/reference_request.rb
@@ -98,8 +98,11 @@ def should_send_reminder_email?(_name, number_of_reminders_sent)
       (days_until_expired <= 14 && number_of_reminders_sent == 1)
   end
 
-  def send_reminder_email(_name, _number_of_reminders_sent)
-    RefereeMailer.with(reference_request: self).reference_reminder.deliver_later
+  def send_reminder_email(_name, number_of_reminders_sent)
+    RefereeMailer
+      .with(reference_request: self, number_of_reminders_sent:)
+      .reference_reminder
+      .deliver_later
   end
 
   def expires_after
diff --git a/app/services/update_work_history_contact.rb b/app/services/update_work_history_contact.rb
index 562f1ca55d..2c24c2360f 100644
--- a/app/services/update_work_history_contact.rb
+++ b/app/services/update_work_history_contact.rb
@@ -27,7 +27,10 @@ def call
 
     if email.present? && (reference_request = work_history.reference_request)
       RefereeMailer.with(reference_request:).reference_requested.deliver_later
-      TeacherMailer.with(teacher:).references_requested.deliver_later
+      TeacherMailer
+        .with(teacher:, reference_requests: [reference_request])
+        .references_requested
+        .deliver_later
     end
   end
 
diff --git a/app/services/verify_assessment.rb b/app/services/verify_assessment.rb
index 81ebe411c5..a704961c04 100644
--- a/app/services/verify_assessment.rb
+++ b/app/services/verify_assessment.rb
@@ -83,6 +83,9 @@ def send_reference_request_emails(reference_requests)
       RefereeMailer.with(reference_request:).reference_requested.deliver_later
     end
 
-    TeacherMailer.with(teacher:).references_requested.deliver_later
+    TeacherMailer
+      .with(teacher:, reference_requests:)
+      .references_requested
+      .deliver_later
   end
 end
diff --git a/app/views/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify/preview_teacher.html.erb b/app/views/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify/preview_teacher.html.erb
index dbb06ae6c6..a79dffc3cb 100644
--- a/app/views/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify/preview_teacher.html.erb
+++ b/app/views/assessor_interface/assessment_recommendation_verify/preview_teacher.html.erb
@@ -11,6 +11,9 @@
   mailer_class: TeacherMailer,
   name: :references_requested,
   teacher: @application_form.teacher,
+  reference_requests: [OpenStruct.new(
+    expires_at: Time.zone.now + 6.weeks,
+  )],
 )) %>
 
 <div class="govuk-button-group">
diff --git a/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_reminder.text.erb b/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_reminder.text.erb
index 235afe769a..595c85cfca 100644
--- a/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_reminder.text.erb
+++ b/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_reminder.text.erb
@@ -1,14 +1,35 @@
 Dear <%= @work_history.contact_name %>
 
-We still need you to confirm some information about <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> as part of their application for qualified teacher status (QTS) in England.
+<% if @number_of_reminders_sent == 1 %>
+You have just 2 weeks to complete the reference request for <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %>.
+<% end %>
 
-We recently contacted you to ask you to help us confirm that the information <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has provided about their work history and experience is accurate.
+<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has applied for qualified teacher status (QTS) in England.
 
-Please follow the link below and answer the questions by <%= @reference_request.expires_at.to_date.to_fs(:long_ordinal_uk) %>. If we do not receive your response by this date, it could affect the outcome for the applicant.
+<% if @number_of_reminders_sent == 0 %>
+We recently asked you to confirm the information they’ve provided about their work history and experience. We have not yet received a response from you. The applicant may not be awarded QTS if we cannot confirm the information they have provided.
+<% elsif @number_of_reminders_sent == 1 %>
+They have given us your name and email address to confirm the information they’ve provided about their work history and experience.
+
+The applicant may not be awarded QTS if we cannot confirm the information they have provided.
+<% end %>
+
+# What you need to do
+
+You need to answer a few questions about <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> by <%= @reference_request.expires_at.to_date.to_fs(:long_ordinal_uk) %>. This should take no longer than 5 minutes.
+
+Follow the link below to start.
 
 <%= teacher_interface_reference_request_url(@reference_request.slug) %>
 
-It should take no longer than 5 minutes.
+# About QTS
+
+QTS is a legal requirement to teach in many English schools, and most schools prefer their teachers to have it.
+
+<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has not applied for a job. Having QTS does not guarantee a job or give someone the right to work in England.
+
+The QTS application allows us to assess a person’s teacher training and experience to understand if they have the skills and qualifications needed to gain QTS in England.
 
 Kind regards,
-The Teacher Qualifications Team (part of the Teaching Regulation Agency)
+Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA)
+(an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Education, England)
diff --git a/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_requested.text.erb b/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_requested.text.erb
index 53bf469bf8..8f80fc68a3 100644
--- a/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_requested.text.erb
+++ b/app/views/referee_mailer/reference_requested.text.erb
@@ -1,22 +1,26 @@
 Dear <%= @work_history.contact_name %>
 
-We need you to confirm some information about <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> as part of their application for qualified teacher status (QTS) in England.
+<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has applied for qualified teacher status (QTS) in England.
 
-As part of the QTS application process, our assessors need to understand each applicant’s work history and experience.
+They have given us your name and email address to confirm the information they’ve provided about their work history and experience.
 
-<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has given us your name and email address to help us confirm that the information they’ve provided about their work history and experience is accurate.
+# What you need to do
 
-# About QTS
+You need to answer a few questions about <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> by <%= @reference_request.expires_at.to_date.to_fs(:long_ordinal_uk) %>. This should take no longer than 5 minutes.
 
-<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> is NOT applying for a job – their QTS application just allows us to assess their qualifications and teaching experience to understand whether they can teach in England.
+Follow the link below to start.
 
-# What we need you to do
+<%= teacher_interface_reference_request_url(@reference_request.slug) %>
 
-Please follow the link below and answer the questions by <%= @reference_request.expires_at.to_date.to_fs(:long_ordinal_uk) %>.
+Please complete the reference by the due date. The applicant may not be awarded QTS if we cannot confirm the information they have provided.
 
-<%= teacher_interface_reference_request_url(@reference_request.slug) %>
+# About QTS
+
+QTS is a legal requirement to teach in many English schools, and most schools prefer their teachers to have it.
+
+<%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %> has not applied for a job. Having QTS does not guarantee a job or give someone the right to work in England.
 
-It should take no longer than 5 minutes.
+The QTS application allows us to assess a person’s teacher training and experience to understand if they have the skills and qualifications needed to gain QTS in England.
 
 Kind regards,
 Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA)
diff --git a/app/views/teacher_mailer/references_requested.text.erb b/app/views/teacher_mailer/references_requested.text.erb
index dc6399ec2b..8adc9dc0ba 100644
--- a/app/views/teacher_mailer/references_requested.text.erb
+++ b/app/views/teacher_mailer/references_requested.text.erb
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 Dear <%= application_form_full_name(@application_form) %>
 
-# We’ve contacted the references you provided to verify your work history
+We’ve contacted the references you provided to verify the work history information you gave as part of your QTS application.
 
-As part of your QTS application we’ve contacted the references that you provided.
+They need to respond by <%= @reference_requests.first.expires_at.to_date.to_fs(:long_ordinal_uk) %>. If your references do not respond, and, as a result, we cannot verify your work history, we may not be able to award you QTS.
 
-Once they reply, we’ll review the references and proceed with assessing your application.
+Contact them to make sure they have received the request. They may need to check their junk email folder.
+
+If they have not received the request, email QTS.Enquiries@education.gov.uk
 
 <%= render "shared/teacher_mailer/footer" %>
diff --git a/config/locales/mailer.en.yml b/config/locales/mailer.en.yml
index dbf8f1aa87..ffc63d9e3b 100644
--- a/config/locales/mailer.en.yml
+++ b/config/locales/mailer.en.yml
@@ -2,9 +2,11 @@ en:
   mailer:
     referee:
       reference_reminder:
-        subject: We still need you to verify %{name}’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)
+        subject:
+          0: Waiting on reference request for %{name}’s application for QTS
+          1: Please complete reference request for %{name}’s application for QTS
       reference_requested:
-        subject: Please help us to verify %{name}’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)
+        subject: Reference request for %{name}’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)
     teacher:
       application_awarded:
         subject: Your QTS application was successful
@@ -27,7 +29,7 @@ en:
       professional_standing_received:
         subject: Your qualified teacher status application – we’ve received your %{certificate}
       references_requested:
-        subject: Your qualified teacher status application – we’ve contacted your references
+        subject: We’ve contacted your references – QTS application
       references_reminder:
         subject:
           0: Waiting on references – QTS application
diff --git a/spec/mailers/referee_mailer_spec.rb b/spec/mailers/referee_mailer_spec.rb
index 86577f66c0..ab477a67e3 100644
--- a/spec/mailers/referee_mailer_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/mailers/referee_mailer_spec.rb
@@ -23,7 +23,10 @@
 
   describe "#reference_reminder" do
     subject(:mail) do
-      described_class.with(reference_request:).reference_reminder
+      described_class.with(
+        reference_request:,
+        number_of_reminders_sent: 0,
+      ).reference_reminder
     end
 
     describe "#subject" do
@@ -31,7 +34,7 @@
 
       it do
         is_expected.to eq(
-          "We still need you to verify First Last’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)",
+          "Waiting on reference request for First Last’s application for QTS",
         )
       end
     end
@@ -48,7 +51,7 @@
       it { is_expected.to include("Dear Contact Name") }
       it do
         is_expected.to include(
-          "We still need you to confirm some information about First Last",
+          "You need to answer a few questions about First Last",
         )
       end
       it do
@@ -71,7 +74,7 @@
 
       it do
         is_expected.to eq(
-          "Please help us to verify First Last’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)",
+          "Reference request for First Last’s application for qualified teacher status (QTS)",
         )
       end
     end
@@ -88,7 +91,7 @@
       it { is_expected.to include("Dear Contact Name") }
       it do
         is_expected.to include(
-          "We need you to confirm some information about First Last",
+          "You need to answer a few questions about First Last",
         )
       end
       it do
diff --git a/spec/mailers/teacher_mailer_spec.rb b/spec/mailers/teacher_mailer_spec.rb
index 64e934b4c3..6ead1df9b2 100644
--- a/spec/mailers/teacher_mailer_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/mailers/teacher_mailer_spec.rb
@@ -438,15 +438,18 @@
   end
 
   describe "#references_requested" do
-    subject(:mail) { described_class.with(teacher:).references_requested }
+    subject(:mail) do
+      described_class.with(
+        teacher:,
+        reference_requests: [create(:reference_request, :requested)],
+      ).references_requested
+    end
 
     describe "#subject" do
       subject(:subject) { mail.subject }
 
       it do
-        is_expected.to eq(
-          "Your qualified teacher status application – we’ve contacted your references",
-        )
+        is_expected.to eq("We’ve contacted your references – QTS application")
       end
     end
 
@@ -462,7 +465,7 @@
       it { is_expected.to include("Dear First Last") }
       it do
         is_expected.to include(
-          "We’ve contacted the references you provided to verify your work history",
+          "We’ve contacted the references you provided to verify the work history",
         )
       end
     end
diff --git a/spec/services/send_reminder_email_spec.rb b/spec/services/send_reminder_email_spec.rb
index 8b6082172b..ff9e9abecb 100644
--- a/spec/services/send_reminder_email_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/services/send_reminder_email_spec.rb
@@ -48,7 +48,13 @@
         expect { subject }.to have_enqueued_mail(
           RefereeMailer,
           :reference_reminder,
-        ).with(params: { reference_request: remindable }, args: [])
+        ).with(
+          params: {
+            reference_request: remindable,
+            number_of_reminders_sent: a_kind_of(Integer),
+          },
+          args: [],
+        )
       end
     end